The End of an Era? When Did Dragon Ball Super’s Final Episode Air?

The last episode of Dragon Ball Super (DBS), titled “A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell, Goku! Until We Meet Again!”, aired on March 25, 2018, in Japan. This marked the end of the anime series’ initial run after 131 episodes, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its return.

A Fond Farewell (For Now): Dragon Ball Super’s Conclusion

The conclusion of the Tournament of Power arc in episode 131 provided a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, ending to Dragon Ball Super. Goku and his allies emerged victorious, saving their universe from complete annihilation. However, the unanswered questions and the sheer popularity of the franchise ensured that fans clamored for more. The vibrant animation style, compelling characters, and high-octane battles that defined DBS quickly made it a global phenomenon. The series rekindled the passion for Dragon Ball among older fans and introduced the world to a new generation of Saiyan enthusiasts.

While the anime series concluded in 2018, the Dragon Ball universe continued to expand through the Dragon Ball Super manga, written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou. This allows for continued exploration of new storylines and power-ups, keeping the universe alive in the minds of fans. The series also enjoyed success through several films, including Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022), which continued the narrative outside the main television series.

Diving Deeper: Your Dragon Ball Super Questions Answered

Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions surrounding the Dragon Ball Super anime’s conclusion and its potential return.

FAQs About Dragon Ball Super’s End

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the end of the Dragon Ball Super anime and its future prospects:

1. Will there be a Dragon Ball Super Season 2? This is the burning question on every Dragon Ball fan’s mind. As of October 26, 2023, there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding a new season of Dragon Ball Super. However, given the manga’s ongoing storyline and the immense popularity of the franchise, many speculate that a new season is inevitable. Rumors and leaks circulate frequently, but until an official announcement from Toei Animation, consider them just speculation.

2. What material would Dragon Ball Super Season 2 adapt? A potential Season 2 could adapt the “Galactic Patrol Prisoner” and “Granolah the Survivor” arcs from the Dragon Ball Super manga. These arcs introduce new villains, powerful techniques, and expand upon existing characters, providing ample material for an engaging new season. Specifically, the Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc focuses on Moro, an ancient magic user, and the Granolah the Survivor arc introduces the titular Granolah, who seeks revenge against the Saiyans.

3. Why did Dragon Ball Super end in the first place? While Toei Animation never explicitly stated the reason for the hiatus, several factors are believed to have contributed. These include production scheduling, allowing the manga to get further ahead, and potentially exploring new animation techniques or story directions before committing to another season. It’s also possible that the studio wanted to focus on the production of the Dragon Ball Super films.

4. What Dragon Ball movies were released after the end of Dragon Ball Super? Two major Dragon Ball Super movies have been released since the anime’s conclusion: Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022). Broly reimagined the iconic character and made him canon within the Dragon Ball universe, while Super Hero focused on Gohan and Piccolo, introducing new transformations and a different animation style.

5. Is the Dragon Ball Super manga still ongoing? Yes, the Dragon Ball Super manga is still being published. Written by Akira Toriyama and illustrated by Toyotarou, it continues the story beyond the Tournament of Power, offering new characters, challenges, and power-ups. This has been a major source of hope for fans awaiting a new anime season. The most recent arc in the manga is the Super Hero arc, directly adapting the events of the Super Hero film.

6. Where can I watch Dragon Ball Super? Dragon Ball Super is available on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu, depending on your region. Blu-ray and DVD sets are also available for purchase for those who prefer physical media. It’s important to note that availability may vary depending on your location.

7. What is the difference between the Dragon Ball Super anime and the manga? While both the anime and manga follow the same general storyline, there can be differences in pacing, character development, and minor plot points. The manga often progresses the story faster, while the anime may add filler episodes or expand upon certain scenes. Notably, the animation quality sometimes differs between the two versions.

8. Is Dragon Ball GT considered canon? Dragon Ball GT, which aired after Dragon Ball Z and before Dragon Ball Super, is generally considered non-canon to the main Dragon Ball storyline. Akira Toriyama was less involved in its creation, and the events of Dragon Ball Super contradict some of the plot points presented in GT.

9. What is Dragon Ball Daima? Dragon Ball Daima is a brand-new anime series announced in October 2023, slated for release in Fall 2024. Akira Toriyama is deeply involved in the project, creating the story, settings, and character designs. The series will feature Goku and his friends turned into children, embarking on a new adventure in an unknown world. This series is separate from Dragon Ball Super but adds to the overall Dragon Ball universe.

10. What new transformations were introduced in Dragon Ball Super? Dragon Ball Super introduced several new transformations for Goku and Vegeta, including Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct. These forms significantly boosted their power levels and allowed them to contend with increasingly powerful adversaries. Other characters, like Gohan and Piccolo, also gained new forms in the Dragon Ball Super films.

11. How many episodes of Dragon Ball Super are there in total? There are a total of 131 episodes of Dragon Ball Super. These episodes cover five major arcs: the Battle of Gods arc, the Resurrection ‘F’ arc, the Universe 6 arc, the Future Trunks arc, and the Tournament of Power arc.

12. How does Dragon Ball Super connect to Dragon Ball Z? Dragon Ball Super is a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z. It takes place several years after the defeat of Majin Buu, during the ten-year peaceful period before the end of Dragon Ball Z. The series reintroduces characters and concepts from Z while also introducing entirely new elements to the Dragon Ball universe.

The Future of Dragon Ball: Hope Rekindled

While the last episode of Dragon Ball Super aired in March 2018, the Dragon Ball saga is far from over. With the ongoing manga, the success of the recent films, and the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima series, fans have plenty to look forward to. The possibility of a new season of Dragon Ball Super remains high, fueled by the continued demand and the vast amount of material available in the manga. Until then, fans can continue to enjoy the existing episodes, explore the manga’s evolving storyline, and anticipate the exciting new developments on the horizon. The legacy of Dragon Ball lives on.